2025 Volkswagen Atlas
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 462 |
| 2019 | 473 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 470 |
| 2022 | 180 |
| 2023 | 130 |
| 2024 | 168 |
| 2025 | 46 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
In December all of the cameras and front assist sensors stopped working. When I called to get into a Volkswagen dealer they first told me to get a car wash and that should solve it.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260302
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our 2025 VW Altas had several engine lights come on at the same time after parking and would not shift out of neutral. Towed to the nearest VW for service and they stated it needed a transmission replacement. This vehicle had less than 16k miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260722
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
26% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
20% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
CRASH15% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10X5.
Campaign 25V100000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The transmission may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38CX.
Campaign 25V081000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted when the vehicle is in reverse.
Remedy: Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91SB.
Campaign 25V334000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42HX.
Campaign 25V434000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling 2024-2026 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may experience a low-voltage electrical event that affects display screen functions.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 18, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91TV.
Campaign 26V473000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2025 Volkswagen Atlas — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 25V100000 (engine) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V081000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V334000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V434000 (service brakes, suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V473000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.